Tag: Gratitude

Not all that long ago, my life was empty. I was the shell of a person who had outlived her usefulness. Today, my life is overflowing. Nothing has changed – except me.

The committee and board meetings I attend are not unwelcome interruptions my work; they are my connection and contribution to my community. The acquaintances who schedule lunch are not looking for gossip to establish their career decisions are better than mine; they are friends who care about me and take an interest in my life. The writing partner who refused to read my work does not define its worth; but rather validity comes from the readers whom I serve with my craft.

In short, life has not conspired to grind me into the ground and make sure I suffer, alone and unnoticed. Quite the opposite. It surrounds me with a dense web of joy, caring and the opportunity to give those back to others.  I’d thought the glass was empty, but it turns out that it’s overflowing.

Taylor is awesome!

I confess, she told me to say that. Actually she told me to say it eight times and be done with the blog.  I won’t do that, but I will say that I love having Taylor as a friend. Not only does talking to her magically cause plot points to unfold and clarify in my brain, but right now she has a new boyfriend. There is little more fun that vicariously experiencing new love (other than directly experiencing it)!

I had one of those days – really two days – where everything just goes right. I received word of a fantastic review of my second novel from the Midwest Book Review, was invited to an author expo at a regional library, and had a really good day writing. Even everything I cooked today turned out well. I can’t pick one thing over another to be grateful for today, so I choose the whole day and all the people who helped me have such a wonderful day. And I will do my best to hang on to the memory for those days that don’t go so well.

I firmly believe in certain principles as to how people should treat each other and what the alternatives are. I also believe that fiction is quite able to convey such ideas while still being accessible and entertaining.  I believe I have a talent for doing exactly that. At a minimum, I have a passion for it. And that is why I write novels. Not for riches or popular acclaim – but to convey a morality as to how we interact with our fellow humans in a way that doesn’t taste like cod liver oil or sawdust.

I lose sight of that sometimes and when I do, my writing is dragged down by self- doubt. The words are good, but they don’t sing. Last night was one of those times, but with help, I got back to center this morning. I remembered why I write and as a result, the words hitting the page transcend me. For that, I am sincerely grateful.